Security

Viewsroom: Diplomatically challenged Trump

10 Aug 2017

The U.S. president needs Beijing’s help with North Korea even more after his recent warmongering outburst. Yet his administration just slapped petty import tariffs on Chinese aluminum. Also: what a Google engineer’s sexist memo says about the firm, Silicon Valley and society.

Wall Street’s resolve overcomes even Pyongyang

9 Aug 2017

U.S. investors shrugged off possible Armageddon just as easily as protectionism and D.C. dysfunction. President Trump’s blunt nuclear warning might have been a fresh reason to rush into gold or gunsmiths. Mr. Market, however, rarely foretells geopolitical or economic threats.

U.S.-China trade spat imperils N. Korea diplomacy

9 Aug 2017

The White House needs Beijing’s help more than ever as Trump and Kim Jong Un swap warmongering threats. Yet the administration just imposed import duties on Chinese aluminum-foil makers. That’s petty at the best of times. Right now, any trade dispute is a dangerous distraction.

Dubai is weakest link in anti-Qatar stand-off

11 Jul 2017

Keeping its doors open while neighbours kept theirs closed has been a winning strategy for the Middle Eastern trading enclave. The blockade of Qatar will leave a mark on Dubai’s vital real estate sector and trade flows – and could leave its investor-friendly reputation dented.

Qatar standoff spells end of Gulf cooperation

3 Jul 2017

Saudi Arabia has granted the sheikhdom two more days to comply with its demands. Failure to reach a deal could escalate the dispute, hitting regional economies and investors in equal measure. But even if both sides back down, plans for greater economic collaboration are on hold.

Oil markets too calm over Qatar ultimatum

23 Jun 2017

Doha’s Gulf neighbours have imposed a 10-day deadline to comply with demands including reparations, closing Al Jazeera and regular inspections. Markets have assumed the standoff won’t turn violent and impact oil supply from the region. That assumption is looking less secure.

As Saudi’s new crown prince rises, so could oil

21 Jun 2017

Mohammed bin Salman has replaced his cousin as heir. That gives him a firmer hand to push through economic reform, but maybe less incentive to do so. Where he is likely to make a bigger mark is in squabbles with Gulf neighbours and taking firmer action over a low oil price.

Qatar’s weak link in Saudi stand-off: people

9 Jun 2017

The sheikhdom has the money and resources required to withstand a cold war with its neighbours. Its economy depends on foreign expatriates, though, who account for more than three-quarters of the population. Preventing a demographic drain is the best reason to agree to a truce.

Qatar crisis points to quick but uncomfortable fix

6 Jun 2017

As Arab states and U.S. President Trump align against the emirate, the chance of leadership change is rising. Another reshuffle within the ruling family might unblock trade and diplomatic links without affecting Qatar’s economic prospects. But the precedent would be alarming.

Qatar quarrel shows limit of its sovereign wealth

6 Jun 2017

The emirate’s $300 bln-plus fund has snapped up landmark buildings and stakes in companies like Barclays and Rosneft. The spree was meant to generate returns and diplomatic clout. But Qatar’s largesse has produced few allies to help it face down its more powerful neighbours.

UK cyberspace crackdown faces reality checks

5 Jun 2017

Prime Minister Theresa May pledged new curbs on extremist propaganda and communications via YouTube, WhatsApp and the like following attacks in London and Manchester. Such promises can be good politics, but to actually happen they must make technological and economic sense.

Attacks on UK add tension to “strong and stable”

5 Jun 2017

Murders by militants in London and Manchester come at a time when Britain is already badly split on economic, geographic and demographic lines. Such atrocities show why Prime Minister Theresa May’s pledge of firmer government resonates, but also why it will be so hard to deliver.

Suicide bombing brings tragic twist to UK election

23 May 2017

The attack that killed at least 22 concertgoers in Manchester is Britain’s deadliest in more than a decade. Its aftermath will dominate the remaining two and a half weeks of campaigning. As in other European countries, economic issues will take a back seat to security concerns.

Trump’s Flynn scandal has many corporate analogues

14 Feb 2017

Like messes that roiled firms from Wells Fargo to Valeant, the furor over the national security adviser's misleading statements over Russia point to a common problem: the management style of the CEO. The commander in chief has much to learn from real public-company bosses.

Infineon U-turn is canary in Trumpian coal mine

9 Feb 2017

The German semiconductor group abruptly warned its Wolfspeed deal could be blocked by the U.S., a week after saying all was well. American regulators have tended to get antsy when Chinese deals are involved. A protectionist in the White House implies this could now be broadened.

Russian sanctions will shrivel to soccer boycotts

23 Dec 2016

Pro-Kremlin leaders in Europe and the U.S. plus a rising oil price will embolden Vladimir Putin in 2017. That could lead to a rethink on sanctions and a soft response to Baltic sabre-rattling. Western protests will be limited to threatening boycotts of the 2018 World Cup.

Turkey-Russia pact can survive Ankara flashpoint

20 Dec 2016

Moscow’s ambassador in the Turkish capital has been shot dead by a policeman seeking revenge for Aleppo. In 2015, Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Vladimir Putin were at loggerheads. Now mutual self-interest over Syria and a perceived common enemy mean the shock can be smoothed over.

Verizon-Yahoo union faces death by a billion hacks

14 Dec 2016

The telecom giant's $4.8 bln deal to buy the internet outfit's core business was already in question after it revealed 500 mln user accounts may have been breached. Now Yahoo has flagged another intrusion, twice as large. It's increasingly easy – and smart – for Verizon to walk.

Making pilots shareholders may save Lufthansa

23 Nov 2016

The carrier's pilots are striking to get a 20-pct pay rise that Lufthansa, dogged by high costs, cannot afford. Paying them in shares might end the gridlock. The airline would save cash, and entrepreneurial spirit in the cockpit could soften the pilots' outlandish demands.

EasyJet misery a foretaste of European airmageddon

6 Oct 2016

Growing overcapacities fuelled by cheap oil, security scares and Brexit jitters are hitting even highly efficient airlines like easyJet hard. The low-cost carrier expects a 28 pct fall in pre-tax profit. Less nimble rivals like Lufthansa and Air France can brace for worse.